Star gaze at the Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory

Saturday, August 19, 2017 - 6:30pm

You’re invited to star gaze at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory! See the night sky as you’ve never seen it before. View a planet, nebula, or a galaxy through the “Obsession” 25-inch Newtonian Reflector telescope. Observatory tours and solar viewing (through a specially adapted solar telescope) are available in the evening before the sun goes down. Program start-time listed is approximate and dependent on sunset. To maintain our night vision, we only use red lights at the observatory. Please bring bug spray, snacks and beverages.

Admission Fees

Individual………………………………………… $5.00

Family...………………………………………… $20.00

Seniors and Students………………....…. $3.00

(Seniors age 62+, Students (on a field trip)

Children 6 and under are free

Following that, visitors can view a short 30 minute orientation program inside the Steele Reese Education Center and then have the chance to survey the heavens through the Observatory’s collection of telescopes. A Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee of $5 per vehicle is required to enter the park. An Idaho State Parks Passport may be purchased at your nearest DMV for $10 per vehicle. There is a per person program viewing fee. The only payment types accepted at the Observatory are cash or check. If necessary, tickets may be purchased at the Visitors’ Center in advance during office hours using a credit card. Children must be accompanied by an adult!

Solar Viewing and Tour Begins

March, April & May 2017 6:30 PM

June & July 2017 7:30 PM

August, September & October 2017 6:30 PM

Observatory Presentation Schedule:
(Please arrive early for best seats!)

March 2017 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

April 2017 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

May 2017 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM

June 2017 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM

July 2017 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM

August 2017 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM

September 2017 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

October 2017 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

SPECIAL NOTE: The Park reserves the right to close the observatory early due to either weather conditions OR lack of public attendance. Be sure to check out the Astronomer’s forecast here: http://cleardarksky.com/c/BrnDnsSPObkey.html